APRIL 2026 | NEWSLETTER

Spring on the Gulf Coast is hard to beat—longer days, more time outside, and fresh, vibrant foods that make eating well more doable.

 

This month, I’m digging into a few timely topics that connect directly to how we think about long-term health—not just what we’re told, but what we actually measure, choose, and put on our plates.

 

We’ll look at:

Let’s get into it.

 

2026 ACC/AHA Dyslipidemia Guideline – 3 Things You Need to Know

The new cholesterol guidelines, published in March 2026, have generated a lot of noise. But when you look closely, the core message isn’t new—it’s a clearer reflection of where the science has already been heading.

 

Here’s what actually matters:

 

 

If you caught last month’s blog, you may remember that Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for heart disease. About 1 in 5 people have elevated levels—and most have no idea, because it’s not routinely tested.

 

Lp(a) is genetically determined, so it typically only needs to be checked once in your lifetime. Knowing your number matters. It doesn’t change that risk—but it does change how proactively you manage the risks you can control.

 

 

While Lp(a) reflects inherited risk, Apolipoprotein B helps clarify what’s happening right now.

In simple terms, ApoB tells us how many atherogenic (plaque-forming) particles are circulating in your bloodstream. It’s one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk—yet it’s still not consistently included in standard panels.

 

The updated guidelines acknowledge ApoB as a valuable tool, particularly in those with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or elevated triglycerides.

 

Together, Lp(a) and ApoB give a far more complete picture than traditional cholesterol numbers alone—especially when standard labs appear “normal.”

 

 

One of the most important takeaways—and one that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—is this: lifestyle remains foundational.

 

The guidelines state that lifestyle interventions can reduce cardiovascular risk by up to 50%, even in those with genetic predisposition.

 

That’s a big deal.

 

Much of what’s emphasized—lower LDL for longer, thoughtful use of medications when appropriate, and a strong foundation of nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management—aligns with what we’ve been talking about for years in functional medicine.

 

At the end of the day, this isn’t about just following guidelines—it’s about understanding your risk.

 

Your labs.
Your history.
Your patterns.

 

And building a plan that reflects that.

If you’ve ever wondered whether buying organic is really worth it, the answer is: sometimes more than others.

 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists for 2026 have been released. The guides are designed to help you focus your efforts—highlighting which fruits and vegetables tend to carry the highest pesticide residues, and which are generally safer to buy conventionally.

 

It’s a practical way to reduce overall exposure without overcomplicating your grocery list. I’ll be breaking this down further in an upcoming blog, but for now, it’s a helpful tool to keep in your wallet!

There’s a reason strawberries show up everywhere this time of year—they’re one of the easiest ways to bring both flavor and function to your plate.

 

Rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and antioxidants, strawberries support skin health, vascular function, and help buffer oxidative stress. They’re also one of the more accessible ways to add color—and nutrient density—into your day without much effort.

 

Like many berries, they do tend to rank higher on pesticide exposure, making them a good candidate for organic when possible (more on that above).

 

Simple, versatile, and in peak season—this is the time to enjoy them.

 

There's a new strawberry recipe live on the website—simple, fresh, and worth adding to your meal prep rotation. And as always, it's high-protein, high-fiber, and delish.